Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process that provides a confidential way for individuals to discuss their issues/concerns with each other directly, facilitated by a neutral trained mediator. The mediator does not decide who is right or wrong or issue a decision. Instead, the mediator helps the parties work out their own solutions to problems in a non-confrontational and non-intrusive setting.

Benefits of Mediation

One of the greatest benefits of mediation is that it allows each party an opportunity to engage in open and honest communication with each other and with mediation services, to receive constructive and objective techniques on how to resolve the issues/concerns involved by designing a course of action that is agreeable to both parties.

Mediation Process

This process may be explored at any time prior to a final decision resulting from an inquiry, investigation or disciplinary action. If a final decision has been rendered by the appropriate administrative unit, the issues/concerns contacted in the complaint, grievance or disciplinary action cannot be resolved by the mediation process.

Mediation is available to all faculty, supportive professional staff (SPS) operating staff (Civil Service) and students. AAEC reserve the authority to approve the content of all Resolution Agreements and to assign staff mediation services.

If all parties agree to participate in the mediation process, a mediation conference will be conducted by a neutral mediator in accordance with the procedures as stipulated by the Non-Discrimination/Harassment Policy.

Request Mediation

Meet the Mediators

Rose M. J. Henton, Director of Coordinated Education, Training and Outreach Programs completed 20 hours of family mediation training in October 2002. Rose was certified in Family and Divorce mediation from DePaul University. DePaul is well known for its effective conflict resolution training.

Rose received a Master’s Degree in Non-Profit Management from North Park University. Class work included courses in diversity and conflict resolution where Rose created plans for managing many forms of conflict in a productive manner. Another course, Negotiation and Influence, helped further Rose’s education and experience in developing specific problem-solving and decision-making skills and competencies.

Using these competencies and processes Rose has effectively resolved a multitude of conflicts related to families including next steps in the care of an aging parent or family member as well as conflicts between students, parents and teachers. Many of the conflicts between students and teachers involved discrepancies over the grade given and the grade expected in addition to general positive communication issues. Rose believes the goal is always to guide individuals and groups toward a successful conclusion of disputes.

Jay Monteiro is the assistant to the Vice President for Human Resources, in the Division of Student Affairs. He has been at NIU since May of 1998. Before moving to SAEM, Jay held a number of positions in Human Resource Services, including spending over 10 years as the supervisor in the HRS Service Center. He became a trained mediator in July 2014, while working with labor relations as an HRS Associate. Jay believes communication is the key to all success, and that mediation is one of the best ways to facilitate good communication when conflict arises.

Sarah Klaper joined NIU as the university ombudsperson in August 2012. She earned her bachelor of science in communication from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and she earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati College Of Law. Sarah practiced law for many years. Most recently, Sarah was a legal analysis, research and communication instructor at DePaul University College of Law for six years. She also taught Education Law and State and Local Government.

As university ombudsperson at NIU, Sarah is a confidential resource and is a designated neutral on campus. She cannot take sides in conflict or advocate on behalf of an individual. Sarah regularly conducts mediations and facilitated conversations between individuals and entire departments on campus.

Dr. Toni R. Tollerud is a Distinguished Teaching Professor who has been at NIU for 26 years. During that time she has trained counselors to work in school, community agency, hospital, and clinical settings and has trained counselors all over the state on supervision, ethical and legal issues, and conflict resolution. Toni served two years as the SPS and Faculty Advisor at NIU where she worked across campus on conflict and communication issues. She is a trained supervisor and mediator and has been involved in private practice for over 30 years. Toni believes it is important to stay at the table and to work collaboratively so that everyone feels listened to and respected.